What is bulimia?
A person with bulimia has an eating disorder that involves episodes of binge eating, usually followed by purging. Binging involves eating large amounts of food, quickly, over a short time. Purging involves forced vomiting or excessive use of laxatives. Those who have bulimia may also fast, exercise excessively, use diet pills or use water pills. A person who has bulimia feels that they cannot control the desire for food.

What are the symptoms of bulimia?
The main symptoms of bulimia are overeating, followed by purging. A person with bulimia first eats an amount of food that he or she considers too much.

How does the doctor treat bulimia?
Treatment for bulimia may include mental health counseling, support groups, nutritional counseling, and medications.